Batten down the hatches; the pirates are coming.
Pirate groups will descend upon Yorktown on April 26 and 27 with a mix of activities, vendors, demonstrations and more to give attendees an idea of what seafaring life was like in the late 17th and early 18th centuries, according to a news release from York County.
The events will take place throughout the area of Riverwalk Landing, including the Watermen’s Museum grounds. The Yorktown Pirate’s ship will sail with Capt. Mayhem and crew at 11:30 a.m. both days, offering children in the captain’s school of piracy a chance to learn to set the sails, steer the schooner and fire the cannon.
The 105-foot schooner “Alliance” will sail at 2 and 6 p.m. each day, with the 2 p.m. cruises featuring female pirates. Anyone who shows up to participate in the cruises dressed as a pirate will receive a $5 discount, according to the release. Tickets for the boat rides cost $35 for adults and $20 for children, though kids age 1 and under get in free.
The rest of the event is free. The schedule of events for both days is as follows:
- 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.: Demonstrations, vendors and activities for children
- 10:30 a.m.: Sea chanteys
- 11:15 a.m.: Pirate school
- 11:30 a.m.: Pirate trial
- 11:30 a.m.: Captain Mayhem’s pirate adventure course
- 12:30 p.m.: Cannon firing demonstration and naval gun battle
- 1 p.m.: Pirate raid
- 2 p.m.: Schooner “Alliance” sails with Lady Pirates
- 3:30 p.m.: Cannon firing demonstration
- 4:30 p.m.: Music and singing with pirates
- 5 p.m.: Cannon firing demonstration
- 6 p.m.: Schooner “Alliance” sunset cruise, camp closes
Parking is available at the Riverwalk Landing parking terrace, York Hall and other designated public lots throughout town. For more information on the event, contact York County Parks, Recreation, and Tourism at 890-3500. An event weather hotline is available at 890-3520. For more information on the paid boat rides, call 888-316-6422.
The event is co-sponsored by York County, the Riverwalk Landing Business Association, the York County Arts Commission, the Watermen’s Museum and the 1781 Foundation.
